“In one of the most eventful periods in recent memory, France’s most respected radio shows are broadcasting ‘oldies’ instead of the news,” writes John Lichfield in Monday’s (3/6) Independent (London). “For two weeks, technicians, ancillary staff and a few journalists at Radio France—the equivalent of BBC Radio—have been on strike against spending cuts. After a break-down of negotiations over the weekend, there will be at least another week without normal programming,” affecting concerts by l’Orchestre National de France and l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. “According to management, the proportion of the staff on strike has rarely exceeded 7 per cent. Nonetheless, French public radio—two news and current-affairs channels, a culture channel, a classical music channel, two pop-music stations and dozens of local stations—has been severely disrupted. At issue, according to the management and the government, are the savings needed to plug a €21.3m (£15.5m) deficit in Radio France’s books this year…. Does Radio France need two separate symphony orchestras of international renown and two classical choral ensembles? They cost €60m a year, almost one-10th of the organization’s whole budget. They earn €2m.… The Culture Minister, Fleur Pellerin, made a statement guaranteeing the quality and independence of Radio France.”
Posted April 6, 2015